FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-62/18

Title and Subtitle: The effect of increased venous pressure on renal hemodynamics

Report Date: October 1962

Authors: Hinshaw LR, Brake CJ, Iampietro PF, Emerson TE

Abstract: Conflicting evidence exists in regard to the effects of increased venous pressure on renal hemodynamics. Experiments to clarify its role were carried on twenty-eight intact innervated or isolated perfused dog kidneys. Findings indicate the absence of a "venous arteriolar" reflex.

Decreases in total resistance occur as venous pressure is increased through a wide range in both innervated and isolated perfused kidneys. Intrarenal venous and tissue pressures and blood flow are unaffected by large increases in venous pressure, (21-75 mm. Hg), although venous segment resistance declines markedly.

Decreases in blood flow are seen when renal vein pressure approaches or exceeds intrarenal venous and tissue pressures. Results confirm previous investigations regarding the importance of tissue pressure and intrarenal venous pressure in renal hemodynamics, which appear to buffer the kidney against effects of elevated venous pressure through a variable but unusually large venous pressure range. The phenomenon of autoregulation may be extended to include a tendency for renal blood flow constancy in the face of wide swings in both renal artery and venous pressures.

Key Words: renal hemodynamics, venous pressure, dog

No. of Pages: 14